MEDICALIA L-Retinol Smoothing Cream - 50ml

You’ve been told to invest in an eye cream, but you aren’t quite sure why you should fork out the extra dollars. After all, do you really need to use a separate cream for your eyes? Will your moisturiser not suffice? The short answer? Not necessarily. If all you are looking for is a little hydration around your eyes, then some gentle facial moisturisers can be perfectly suitable. But if you want to target something more specific (think dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, dryness or crepey-looking skin) that's when a dedicated eye treatment can really earn its place in your skincare routine! So, is your moisturiser enough or would your eyes benefit from something more targeted? Keep reading as we explain the difference, what to look for and how to choose the right option for your eyes.  Can you use your face moisturiser around your eyes? Yes, but it depends on the moisturiser! Not every facial moisturiser is designed to be applied so close to the eyes. The skin here is thinner and more delicate than much of the rest of your face, which can make it more prone to dryness and irritation. It's also constantly moving every time we smile, squint and blink, which is one of the reasons fine lines can become noticeable here relatively early! Your facial moisturiser may also contain active ingredients or fragrance that the rest of your face tolerates perfectly well, but your eye area doesn't. The easiest rule? Check the directions on your moisturiser. If it says to avoid the eye area, avoid it. And if it causes stinging, watering or irritation, that's a pretty good indication it doesn't belong there! Which ingredients are suitable around your eyes (and what should you avoid)? If you're using a facial moisturiser around your eyes, gentle hydrating and skin-supporting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, peptides and squalane can all be useful. But remember, it's the overall formulation that matters. A moisturiser isn't automatically suitable for your eyes simply because it contains hyaluronic acid or peptides. It's also worth being a little more careful with stronger actives. High-strength retinol, exfoliating acids and heavily fragranced formulas may irritate the delicate eye area, particularly if the product wasn't formulated to be used there. That doesn't mean ingredients such as retinol are off limits around your eyes though. Far from it! If fine lines and visible signs of ageing are a concern, retinol can be useful, but look for an eye treatment specifically formulated for this delicate area rather than taking your usual facial retinol right up to your eyes! Try Pevonia’s Evolutive Eye Cream. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and retinyl palmitate (which is a gentler, more stable vitamin A derivative) so perfect for the delicate, yet ageing eye area! It not only deeply hydrates, brightens and firms the skin, it also actively reduces fine lines and crepiness! So, what does an eye cream actually do differently? Eye creams, gels and serums are specifically formulated for the delicate eye area and, importantly, can target concerns your everyday facial moisturiser may not address. The key is choosing one according to your needs. Rather than simply reaching for an eye cream labelled ‘anti-ageing’, think about what you'd actually like to improve. Is it dryness? Puffiness? Dark circles? Fine lines? Or perhaps a combination of a few? If dryness and dehydration are your main concerns, an eye treatment rich in hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients including squalane, shea butter and vitamin e, can help replenish moisture and plump the appearance of fine dehydration lines. Want to know more? Here are 6 Reasons Why You Should Use Hyaluronic Acid Under Your Eyes For fine lines, loss of firmness and crepey-looking skin, look for targeted ingredients such as peptides, antioxidants, collagen-supporting ingredients and eye-friendly forms of vitamin A to help smooth and improve the appearance of ageing skin. Here are our expert approved eyes creams for ageing eyes, if you’re not sure where to start. If it's puffiness and tired looking eyes you’re looking to improve, ingredients such as caffeine, Acetyl tetrapeptide-5 and targeted botanical extracts like Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, can help refresh the eye area and improve the appearance of tired, puffy eyes. And then there are dark circles. These are a little more complicated because they can have several different causes, including genetics, pigmentation, visible blood vessels and hollowness beneath the eyes. Lack of sleep certainly doesn't help either! For the best recommendations on how to treat your under eyes bags, dark circles and puffiness, click here. So, do you really need an eye cream? If your moisturiser is gentle, suitable for use around the eyes and all you're looking for is a little extra hydration, it may be perfectly adequate. But if there's something specific you'd like to improve, whether that's puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, dryness or crepey-looking skin, that's when a targeted eye treatment really comes into its own. Rather than expecting your everyday moisturiser to do everything, you can choose a formula specifically designed for the delicate eye area and the concerns you actually want to address. And if you're going to add another step to your skincare routine, we think that's a pretty good reason to do it!

Let's be honest. Mother's Day has a habit of sneaking up on all of us! One minute it's weeks away, and the next, it's this Sunday and you’ve yet to buy that perfect gift! You want something thoughtful, something she’ll actually use and love…but you’re not quite sure where to start. That’s where skincare comes in! It’s one of the easiest ways to give a gift that feels indulgent and will genuinely be appreciated. From beautifully packaged gift sets to simple everyday essentials that can be added to any routine, keep reading for our last-minute go-to gifts that we know your mum will truly love.   Mother’s Day Gift Set – Moisturizing Freshness Ritual If you want a gift that feels easy, elegant, beautifully packaged and is from a brand with serious credentials, this is a good one to start with! The Phytomer Moisturising Freshness Ritual is a limited-edition Mother’s Day gift set from one of the world’s most respected marine skincare brands. It comes beautifully packaged (no wrapping required) and inside you’ll find a duo of Phytomer’s signature marine skincare formulas designed to work in harmony. A refreshing, revitalising treatment for tired, dull skin and a deeply nourishing hand cream that transforms dry, overworked hands into something much softer, smoother and more comfortable. Both products are formulated with Phytomer’s signature OLIGOMER, an extraordinary, concentrated seawater complex rich in 104 trace elements that recharges and strengthens skin at a cellular level!   Naturys Anti-Age Face & Eye Bundle If your mum loves skincare that is about clean, ethical and genuinely effective products, she will love this face and eye duo! The bundle brings together two of Naturys’s most loved anti-ageing formulas! Two professional grade products that are 100% certified organic and vegan friendly. Winning! Each formula is crafted with organic-certified extracts, plant-based actives and sustainable packaging making it the perfect gift for the mum who is mindful about what she puts on her skin and how it’s made, and together they combine the very best natural active ingredients for visible results. The Naturys Anti-Age Face Cream, specifically formulated for mature skin, is a  beautifully nourishing moisturiser enriched with Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid to improve the skin’s structure, tone and elasticity. It delivers intense hydration, softens the appearance of fine lines and leaves the complexion looking visibly more youthful, firm and radiant with consistent use. The Naturys Anti-Age Eye Cream is the perfect treat for the delicate eye area that needs specialist care, and this gentle yet effective cream delivers just that. Formulated with Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and organic botanical actives, it targets fine lines, dark circles and loss of firmness around the eye contour, leaving the area looking visibly refreshed, smoother and more awake. Gemstone Facial Roller & Phytomer Rosée Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil Some gifts are practical. Some gifts are beautiful. And some gifts are both and manage to feel genuinely luxurious every single time they’re used. This combination is firmly in that last category. Pair one of our gorgeous Gemstone Facial Rollers with the Phytomer Rosée Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil, and you have a self-care gift set that looks and feels like a spa experience in a box! The Phytomer Rosée Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil is one of the most beautiful products in the entire Phytomer range! It’s a light, non-greasy dry oil with a delicate, signature rose fragrance that absorbs beautifully and leaves skin feeling immediately more supple, nourished and radiant. It’s formulated with Phytomer’s signature marine actives alongside a rich blend of precious plant oils, and the results are remarkable! Simply apply 2-3 drops and massage it into the face and neck after cleansing morning and or evening with the Gemstone Facial roller and reap the rewards! Use the roller in upward, outward motions. The oil allows the roller to glide beautifully, while the gentle massage pressure helps improve circulation, reduce puffiness, encourage lymphatic drainage and support the absorption of the oil into the skin. Used together, the Phytomer face oil and a gemstone roller create a genuinely spa-like facial massage experience at home.   Phytomer Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath Nothing induces relaxation at-home quite like an indulgent remineralizing bath. Coupled with a little music to set the mood and a candle here and there it could be said to be nearly as good as a pamper session at your favourite spa! Phytomer’s Oligomer Well Being Sensation Essential Mineral Relaxing Bath is a beautiful treat and is rich in an abundance of sea inspired skincare packed with trace elements to remineralise, revitalise and relax achy, tired limbs!  Still can’t make a decision? Or perhaps you’re worried about your gift not making it there in time, you can always give the gift of choice with an eGift Card from BC! Delivered instantly to her inbox (or yours), these digital vouchers are a stylish and simple way to let Mum explore her skincare or makeup favourites or try something totally new.  The best Mother’s Day gifts aren’t about how much you spend, they’re about how they make her feel. Skincare is such a beautiful option because it’s something she’ll use, enjoy and see results from. Whether you go for a ready-made set, a results-driven duo, a simple self-care ritual, or a gift voucher for mum to do the choosing, these are gifts that feel considered, indulgent and genuinely appreciated. OR, if you think your mum would love to be pampered at a salon or spa, you can always head to the Find a Spa on the BC site and select and book in with a spa of your/her choice.

When you think about the ocean, you probably think about holidays, sunshine and that effortlessly glowy skin you always seem to come home with (well I like to think I do!) But have you ever wondered why a few days by the sea does actually leave your complexion looking so much better? It's not just the relaxation (although that of course helps!) The ocean is one of nature's most extraordinary sources of skin-loving ingredients (think seaweed, algae, marine collagen, sea water minerals and deep-sea extracts) all of which have a remarkable ability to transform the look and feel of your skin (we’re talking next-level hydration, boosted radiance, improved firmness and a calmer, stronger skin barrier.) And while the skincare world has long recognised the power of marine ingredients, right now they are having a well-deserved moment, and once you understand what they can do for your skin, you'll wonder how your skincare routine ever existed without them! Keep reading to discover why marine ingredients are so good for your skin and the sea-inspired skincare we know you’ll love!   The marine ingredients to look for in your skincare Honestly, we aren’t joking when we say the sea is a treasure trove of high-performance actives! Here are the key ones to know (and look for in your skincare) when it comes to delivering visible results; Seaweed (the hydration hero) Seaweed is one of the most powerful marine ingredients in skincare. Naturally rich in vitamins (A, B, C, D & E), minerals (such as magnesium, manganese, calcium, copper, iodine, iron, potassium, phosphorus & zinc), proteins, essential fatty acids and amino acids, seaweed helps to deeply hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier and improve overall skin health. Seaweed is also known for its ability to boost radiance and leave the skin looking fresh, plump and revitalised. Oh, and it’s packed with antioxidants to fight off environmental damage and pollution too! Topically applying seaweed has next to endless, positive results! Marine Collagen (for firmness and elasticity) Marine collagen is a go-to ingredient for ageing skin. Unlike some traditional sources, marine collagen is known for its superior bioavailability. It helps support the skin’s structure, improving firmness and elasticity and "plumps" the skin from the inside out, reducing the appearance of fine lines. It’s particularly beneficial if your skin is starting to feel thinner, less resilient or lacking bounce. Sea Water & Marine Minerals (for balance and skin health) Sea water is far more complex than its name suggests. It contains 104 trace elements essential to the vitality and health of human skin (many of which we are chronically deficient in thanks to modern diets and lifestyle!) It’s naturally rich in essential minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium, which help to rebalance and remineralise the skin. These minerals support hydration, improve skin function and help maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. Here's something interesting! Our bodies are naturally deficient in negative ions. The sea air and ocean water are naturally rich in these negative ions which is one of the main reasons we feel so energised, revitalised and clear-headed after spending time by the sea. Today, professional marine skincare is able to capture and deliver these same benefits topically. Amazing right? Sea Salt (for detoxification) Sea salt a powerful exfoliant with healing and deeply detoxifying properties. It absorbs dirt, impurities and toxins from the skin while delivering a mineral hit that improves circulation, boosts lymphatic drainage and helps reduce inflammation. The mineral content ( particularly magnesium, calcium and potassium) helps restore the skin's protective barrier function and keeps it hydrated and resilient. Marine Magnesium (for calming, balance and skin resilience) Found naturally in sea water, marine magnesium is one of the most essential minerals for skin health, and 90% of us are deficient in it! It’s best known for relaxing tired muscles but when applied topically, offers a multitude of powerful therapeutic benefits! It helps combat dryness, fluid retention and the ageing process, and has been shown to improve overall skin texture and tone. Importantly, research shows that topical application of magnesium is more efficiently absorbed than taking a supplement as it penetrates directly through the skin and into the bloodstream, taking immediate effect! Marine magnesium also plays a role in maintaining healthy hydration levels, helping the skin feel more comfortable, resilient and visibly balanced. Algae Extracts (for protection and repair) Different types of algae (like red, green and brown algae) are packed with proteins (amino acids make up to 60% of most of these plants), phosphorus, magnesium, copper, calcium and both vitamin A & B1. While algae is not as potent as seaweed they still have a multitude of benefits from soothing, regenerating and barrier repair (they also protect skin from environmental stress and premature ageing), explaining its frequent use in anti-ageing products! Marine Bio-Actives (for overall skin performance) These are advanced ocean-derived ingredients designed to support multiple skin functions at once, from hydration and repair to firming and radiance. They work in harmony with the skin, making them incredibly effective yet gentle.   Why your skin will love marine ingredients To summarise the outstanding benefits of marine ingredients we have broken it down for you. 1. They provide deep, long-lasting hydration Marine ingredients are known for their ability to attract and retain moisture, helping to keep the skin plump, smooth and comfortable. This makes them especially beneficial for dry, dehydrated or ageing skin; 2. They support for skin barrier function A healthy skin barrier is everything. Marine actives help strengthen and protect the skin, making it more resilient against environmental stressors like pollution and climate. 3. They are naturally rich in nutrients Sea-derived ingredients are packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids that nourish the skin and support its natural processes. 4. They help renew and revitalise skin Marine extracts help revitalise the complexion, improving dullness and uneven tone for a fresher, brighter appearance. 5. They offer so many anti-ageing benefits Many marine ingredients support collagen production and skin elasticity, helping to smooth fine lines and improve firmness over time.   The sea inspired skincare the experts recommend Brands like Phytomer have built entire ranges around the power of marine biotechnology, and the science is amazing. So if you haven't explored what the ocean can do for your skin yet, consider this your official introduction!   Phytomer Souffle Marin Cleansing Foaming Cream This is one of the gentlest, most luxurious foaming cleansers you'll ever try! On contact with water, the silky cream transforms into a soft, airy foam that lifts away makeup, excess oil, pollution and impurities without stripping a thing. It's like bringing the seaside straight to your bathroom sink and that's not just because of the beautiful subtle fresh marine scent, it’s formulated with Phytomer's signature OLIGOMER® sea minerals, Hydrolyzed Algin and Marine Spring Water that work together to detoxify, oxygenate and restore radiance while the skin's natural moisture barrier stays completely intact. The result is skin that feels genuinely clean, refreshed and brighter not tight, not dry, just beautifully revived. Phytomer Souffle Marin Energizing Oxygenating Serum Think of this as a breath of fresh ocean air for your skin (literally). It’s a gorgeous, silky serum and is your daily detox, working deep within the skin to boost oxygenation, purify and restore that lit-from-within glow that city life, pollution and daily fatigue tend to diminish! Formulated with a dual Marine Samphire complex, Energising Marine Sugar and Phytomer's signature OLIGOMER® (a seawater concentrate rich in trace minerals that strengthens skin and boosts cellular energy), it helps skin breathe better, look fresher and feel genuinely revived. It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing and suitable for all skin types. Trust me it’s a goodie!   Phytomer Douceur Marine Soothing Moisturising Cream This best-selling moisturiser from Phytomer is outstanding for those suffering from sensitive, acne or rosacea prone skin. It’s formulated with soo many goodies from the sea! Including a Marine Prebiotic Complex, Marine Spring Water, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract (a green microalga known for its calming and restorative properties), Helichrysum Italicum Extract combined with Shea Butter and Vitamin E which makes it an intensely comforting formula that feels like velvet on the skin and effectively nourishes, cools, calms, soothes and reduces skin redness and discomfort! Another bonus is that it also strengthens the skin’s natural defences against stress, weather and pollution! What more could sensitive skin sufferers ask for? Phytomer’s Night Recharge Youth Enhancing Cream Rich yet fast-absorbing, this beautiful cream literally cocoons your skin in deep marine nourishment while you sleep, working to detoxify, re-oxygenate and restore youthful vitality by morning. D-Tox Microalgae eliminates free radicals, pollutants and toxins from within the skin. Marine Mannitol (derived from brown algae) re-energises tired, asphyxiated cells. And Laminaria Digitata Extract (brown algae), Salicornia Herbacea Extract (sea plant) and Jojoba deeply nourish and strengthen the skin's resilience overnight. The result? You'll know it the moment you wake up! I’m talking glowy, plumper and more youthful skin! It is my night time go-to! Pevonia Power Repair Marine Collagen Cream A global best-seller and a firm BC favourite too, Pevonia’s Marine Collagen Cream is rich in sustainably sourced Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane, to deliver deep, lasting hydration while supporting collagen production for improved firmness and a visibly more youthful complexion. It’s one of my absolute personal favourites (I use it daily and have done for years and I honestly believe it keeps my skin smoother, brighter and younger-looking.  But don’t just take my word for it! Check out all the reviews! Pevonia Marine Magnesium 90% of us are deficient in magnesium. It’s proven more effective to apply magnesium topically to the skin than it is to ingest a supplement, this is because when you apply directly to your skin it absorbs into the bloody stream taking immediate effect. Cue Pevonia’s Marine Magnesium! It’s a lightweight, fast-absorbing dry oil infused with pure marine magnesium sourced from the pristine, mineral-rich waters off the coast of France, and it works quickly and effectively to relieve muscular tension, reduce inflammation and restore a genuine sense of physical calm. It absorbs transdermally (straight through the skin and into the bloodstream) delivering immediate, targeted relief exactly where your body needs it most. Muscles relax. Stiffness eases and skin feels refreshed and nourished. The ocean is one of the most extraordinary sources of skincare ingredients on the planet and the brands in our edit that harness its power do so with decades of scientific research, clinical rigour and genuine respect for the marine environment behind them. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, dullness, ageing or sensitivity, sea‑powered skincare has something to offer. And now you understand what these ingredients actually do, you’ll see why beauty experts swear by them!